Deadline Is Raining in the Status Window - Chapter 131

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“I have devoted my life to the welfare of the Imperial Court. If I am to bear responsibility as a tool, now would be the opportune moment.”
“Your Highness….”
Good heavens, at this rate Sunbird would collapse again. Part of me worried whether I should rush over and steady him, but contrary to my concerns, Sunbird maintained iron control over his wavering frame, drew a single breath, and shifted his demeanor.
“If Your Highness intends to proceed, then I too must follow. However, the contract shall not be signed today.”
Sunbird fixed Duke Zibenstein with another piercing gaze.
The objective remained a delicate balance between Sera and Cecilia, and Aten Polat spoke with such cutting precision about recording the duration of their alliance and organizing mutual demands before scheduling a meeting that Duke Zibenstein merely nodded and let out a low chuckle.
“Do you truly believe that by prolonging this, some miraculous solution will materialize?”
“If none exists, then it falls to me to create one.”
Sunbird looked rather impressive just then. When I whispered this to my friends, both Reina and Eugene nodded in agreement.
“It’s no wonder he’s the top of our year, madam.”
“Sunbird has quite the temperament beneath that composed exterior, madam.”
So Reina’s enjoying this little comedy, is she? But Eugene, even if you find it amusing, don’t join in. When someone as massive as you keeps saying “madam” in that tone, it’s absolutely unsettling.
“Understood, understood. I’ll come again next time, so don’t look at me like that. You’re hurting my feelings, you know.”
Bruno Zibenstein is so irritating.
I was mentally adjusting my emotional distance further away when Bruno Zibenstein winked at me. Before I could help myself, I cast Glacial Induction, and Reina immediately snapped at me, crying out her Petit Blaze.
“Hey, what’s gotten into you today! My cool-headed intellectual character doesn’t get riled up over such things!”
“But he’s just so infuriating!”
“I understand!”
Watching our magical clash, Bruno Zibenstein remarked that children these days were terrifying, then asked us to call him when we were ready before waving goodbye. That gesture, in his own way an attempt at being endearingly cute, made my fists clench involuntarily once more.
“I apologize, but please return for today. Both Sera and I will need time.”
Yes, Sunbird had endured quite enough today—both mentally and physically.
We had become the sort who moved at Sera’s command, yet we harbored no resentment. Our gathering had been necessary, and parting ways like this was equally necessary.
“Call me once the schedule is decided. I’ll be preparing in the meantime.”
“Me too. I’ll send word to Father.”
Should I use White One’s communication network or the raven post to gather intelligence on the situation in Laga?
We showed consideration by allowing the two to rest, then departed the Palace. The attendants of the Third Princess Palace brought a carriage to collect us, but as if they had been waiting, an emissary from Cecilia’s faction approached me.
“Evan Laef. Come with us.”
Why are they singling me out specifically? And why has their manner of speech become so refined? Could it be that the bachelor’s claim about Cecilia coveting me was actually true?
“I have no reason to comply.”
“Then we shall break Seian Crowell’s arm.”
Wait—where did Seian go? His presence is so transparent I thought he was right here.
I glanced beside Kanna, assuming he would be following behind me as usual, but Seian was nowhere to be found. A scream erupted from Seian in a direction completely opposite to where I had anticipated.
“Wait. I’ll come with you.”
“Are you sure? Should we call Sera?”
No—Sunbird and Sera have both suffered catastrophic mental collapse today. I can’t burden them further. It should be fine if I simply meet with Cecilia alone.
When I demanded assurance for my friends’ safety, the masked figures pointed to the carriage that Sera’s attendants had prepared.
“Your friends will return. You alone were permitted to accompany us.”
Seian Crowell walked toward me with tears streaming down his face, having screamed in pain as his arm was bent nearly to the breaking point. He asked if I was alright, but what could he do about it? This wasn’t a problem he could solve.
“I have a request. For safety, please stay with Seian Crowell and the others.”
“Don’t worry about that. But if you’re late, I’ll go find Sera right away.”
At Eugene’s response, I nodded in relief. Kanna was worrying about me so much, and all I could do was give her a wry smile.
“Don’t worry needlessly. I’ll head straight there once we’re done talking.”
I watched the Club members board the carriage and Sera’s attendant take a seat on the coachman’s bench, then waved goodbye. Even as the carriage departed, Seian Crowell kept turning around in his seat, gazing at me dimly through the window.
It was like the eyes of a dog being sold away—though I’d never actually owned a dog named White One, that’s the comparison that came to mind.
“Let us depart.”
Now it was my turn to board the carriage. I complained loudly about what on earth they could possibly need to discuss that required summoning a busy person back and forth, but no one offered any rebuttal.
I truly despised this unwavering loyalty of Cecilia’s subordinates.

As I entered the gloomy Crown Princess Palace with thorns sprouting abundantly, a dark gate opened and revealed an entrance hall gleaming with polished black marble. Sera had decorated the Club Room in the same dark aesthetic, so why did the Royal Family love black so much? Was there some compulsion embedded in the genes of the superhuman bloodline to purchase black furniture?
That actually made some sense. Seian Crowell didn’t particularly obsess over black furniture.
“It’s as dark as the shadows in Cecilia’s heart.”
“This way, please.”
You people really lack humanity—that’s what I despised about you.
Following the masked figures, a young attendant who was practically a carbon copy of Seian Crowell’s childhood appeared. The small boy handed me over to the masked figures, thanking them for their trouble.
“Cecilia has been waiting for quite some time.”
“She must have been bored. Why not enjoy some hobbies?”
“That would be disrespectful. Such words should not be spoken before Cecilia.”
So you still have some humanity left because you’re young—this might actually be fun to talk with you.
“Do you find any joy in living while working in a place like this?”
“Serving Cecilia is the honor of a lifetime.”
“Isn’t what you’re doing a violation of child labor laws?”
“….”
The boy who had answered so readily fell silent the moment I touched on child labor laws. No wonder Zibenstein despised Cecilia. They’d complained about children laboring in factories.
“If you wish to live, do not speak carelessly.”
That wasn’t something for you to worry about. I’d already made my peace with whatever awaited me the moment I was summoned here.
I ruffled the diligent boy’s hair vigorously, then opened the door where Cecilia awaited. He huffed indignantly about his disheveled hair, looking so much like Seian Crowell. It was endearing.
“You’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting.”
“I never asked you to wait.”
Whether you kill me or not, do as you please.
After entering, I attempted to bow deeply to Cecilia with the resolve to die, but failed. I tried to use respectful language to say something pretty, but what emerged was speech infused with the full force of a beast’s charisma.
Even if she ordered my head severed for disrespect, I as a commoner had no grounds to object. I’d just slip away when they moved me to the execution grounds later, depending on the situation.
“Will you continue to speak so carelessly?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.”
Cecilia, remarking that this was a new experience and finding it interesting, summoned an attendant to bring a whip.
“Those who show disrespect to the Royal Family must be whipped.”
“I accept.”
What, you’re not dead? If we can pass this off as correct, I’d appreciate that course of action. I yanked off my school jacket and shirt, and one of the Young Attendants caught them with a stammering sound.
“So you really are a woman.”
“I never said I was a man.”
“You don’t concede a single point.”
“I rather dislike losing.”
Cecilia laughed softly, then covered her mouth as if startled by herself. Perhaps this was her first genuine outburst of laughter. What a dull way to live.
“Ahhhhh!”
Don’t suddenly start whipping me while I’m talking to your master! Ah, wait—that hurts like hell! Isn’t that the same whip you used back when I was Mitchell Neftis?! Is there a standard specification for whips used for flogging?! It hurts so much! It stings!
“It hurts! Ow! It stings, this is insane, ahhhhh!”
“Ha ha, haha.”
Though her expression didn’t change, Cecilia clutched her stomach and laughed heartily watching me suffer. She’d confidently removed her jacket expecting me not to cry out in pain, only to discover I was quite the drama queen, she assessed.
It’s not dramatics—it genuinely hurts, you woman!
“How entertaining. No wonder Seian Crowell is so captivated.”
So providing a comedy show doesn’t stop the whipping. Even as Cecilia laughed at me, she had the Young Attendant deliver all ten lashes without mercy, then ordered me to show my back while she had a servant bring ointment.
“If you felt sorry, you’d call a healer.”
“That’s an order. This wound will heal naturally.”
Your personality is truly vile! Just because you can’t stand seeing people comfortable, you won’t even allow a healer? Your personality is disgusting, I complained, and the woman pressed her ointment-covered fingers deep into my wounds, then worked them around.
“Ow!”
“Blame yourself for being cuter than expected.”
She’s insane. This woman is genuinely insane. As I swallowed my words without voicing them, Cecilia’s hands—which had been roughly working my wounds—grew gentle.
“There, see how nice you are when you behave.”
I’m in a bad mood. I’ve met far too many irritating people today. When I get home, I’ll need to heal with White One.
“Don’t frown. My summons are good for you too.”
How good could it possibly be if you beat someone the moment you meet them? Unable to speak, I cursed with my eyes, and the woman laughed expressionlessly again, then said something like a supervillain.
“Become mine.”
“I refuse.”
“Not in a romantic sense.”
“I refuse that as well.”
I hadn’t interpreted it romantically from the start. The image of a domineering character common in fiction had crossed my mind, but I’d never considered it in a romantic context. Your thinking is strange.
Seian Crowell, my favorite, your sister is truly a strange person.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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